The Love From Vengeance

275: THROUGH THE ALLEY

ARIEL’S POV

So, it had been quite an exhausting and stressful day. It’s not stressful; I just said that because of the scene at Luke’s mansion a while ago. All good now cause I was already ‘making my way out of there, along with Janice.

I had promised her earlier that we would go on a mother–daughter trip. I had the perfect place in mind – a salt lake I had stumbled upon during one of my morning runs a year ago. The location just pooped up in my head, and I was like, ‘Okay, we gotta go, right?”. It was a hidden gem, with crystal clear water and stunning views.

Getting ready, we both packed a small picnic basket with snacks and a camera. Janice. insisted on bringing a stuffed bunny, which she called Floppy, along for the trip. Randy gave it to her as a sign of their new friendship.

We got into the car, and Randy and Ethan soon wished us safe journeys. They were so

sweet, no lie about that. So now, we were on our way to our little adventure.

While I was driving, Janice chattered non–stop, excitedly pointing out every tree and bird. we passed by. With beautiful trees and ravishing locations, New Haven was just wonderful.

After a short drive, we reached the salt lake, and Janice’s eyes widened in amazement as she took in the breathtaking view. “Wow, mommy, this place is beautiful!“She tugged my

hand.

I smiled and led her towards the water. We took off our shoes and felt the cool, salty water on our feet. Janice squealed in delight and started running around, chasing after the small fish that swam near the shore.

“Why is the water so salty, Mommy?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Well, this lake is called a salt lake because it has a high concentration of salt in it. That’s what makes the water so clear and blue,” I explained, trying my best to sound like a

science teacher.

Janice nodded, taking in the information before running off again to explore. I took out my camera and started taking pictures of her, capturing every moment of her happiness.

“Mommy, come play with me!” She called out, holding Floppy up in the air.

I couldn’t resist her infectious energy and joined in on the fun. We splashed around in the

sandcastles. It was the perfect

and we sat on a nearby rock, enjoying our snacks. Janice munched on her favorite chocolate chip cookies while I sipped on

come back here again?” Janice asked, snuggling into my

make this our special place,” I replied, kissing the top of her head.

stayed until the sun completely disappeared behind the mountains

going now? Daddy’s

back home, not Daddy’s house,” I replied, staring at

wait to print out the pictures I took and frame

LUKE’S POV

into the restaurant, the smell of sizzling steaks and

I spotted him sitting at a table near the back, his large frame almost spilling over the

dodging waiters carrying trays of food and couples chatting over glasses of wine.

I said, extending my

voice deep and

exchanged pleasantries. Then, I got straight to the point. “So,

me, Luke. Giving me no response in

“I’m sorry. I’ve been really busy with

late now. I’ve already

about we order some food and catch

to make sense of what

“Get down!”

Leonardo under

glass filled the air. I spotted a waiter

I said, pointing toward the

the table, staying low to the ground. We followed the waiter

his eyes. “What are

get out of here,” I replied, trying to calm him down. “Do you

apparently, he was frightened. But goddamn,

we’re the good guys, okay? We just want to find a way out. And I believe you know that. If